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Friday, March 12, 2010

Call for Papers: Public Libraries and Resilient Cities: Creating Sustainable and Equitable Places

Call for Papers: Public Libraries and Resilient Cities: Creating Sustainable and Equitable Places edited by Michael Dudley - "Public libraries are at the forefront of a number of significant and pressing urban and environmental sustainability issues, and are evolving a leadership role in addressing these through sustainable urban design practices, contributions to economic regeneration and a commitment to social equity. From the economic renewal potential of library development projects, to the provision of public space in a privatizing world, to services for the homeless and crisis management during urban disasters, public libraries are a keystone public institution for any sustainable community. While there is a long tradition in the library literature arguing for the public library's role in addressing urban social problems, the gravity of our contemporary social, environmental and economic crises constitutes a renewed and urgent imperative for such an engagement. The book Public Libraries and Resilient Cities will explore the vital role that public libraries can play in the promotion of ecologically, economically and socially sustainable communities in challenging times. It will introduce librarians and library administrators to key urban planning concepts as well as current thinking on sustainability issues, and share success stories in urban resilience from library practitioners. Ultimately, the book will outline how public libraries can contribute to 'placemaking,' or the creation and nurturing of vital and unique communities that can provide intergenerational equity for their residents. This project will be an ALA Editions release with expected publication in late 2011 or early 2012"